NCJ Number
69686
Date Published
1980
Length
242 pages
Annotation
The Priority Prosecution Program in Middelsex County, Massachusetts, is evaluated for the period November 1, 1978, through January 15, 1980.
Abstract
The program was funded through the LEAA and was intended to provide for the early identification of cases involving 'career criminals,' to complete pretrial preparation and prosecution of such cases within 90 days after arrest, and to obtain a conviction upon the most serious offense chargeable for a maximum sentence of incarceration. A Priority Prosecution Unit, composed of experienced trial assistant district attorneys and an independent investigative police liaison staff was set up. When possible, cases were presented to the Grand Jury immediately following arrest in order to remove them from the district court and exempt them from probable cause hearings. Summaries of witness interviews, police reports, and other discoverable matter were prepared for release to defense counsel immediately upon arraignment in Superior Court in order to speed up dispositions, and program cases were accorded immediate priority on the trial calendar. Police and prosecution training seminars were conducted in procedures of thorough case preparation. The program's accomplishments included a 74 percent conviction rate for rape, robbery, aggravated assault, and burglary, as compared to a preprogram rate of 62 percent. Improved police-prosecution coordination in the investigation and preparation of cases for trial was achieved, as well as a quicker disposal of priority cases, although the 90-day goal was not attained. A system of case management and file control for uniformity and continuity in matters transferred from district to superior court was implemented. The program had a lower default rate than that of nonprogram cases. Improved public perception of the administration of justice as witnessed through letters of support. Appendixes contain the Superior Court trial list procedure, information on the filing system, sample forms, a description of the organization of the district attorney's office, a District Court procedures manual, quarterly statistical summary reports, and copies of letters of support.